The 2025 British Grand Prix will be remembered as a race of emotional highs and lows, with Nico Hulkenberg’s sensational first-ever Formula 1 podium stealing the spotlight and Lewis Hamilton’s gracious gesture capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. In a stunning display of sportsmanship, Hamilton, who saw his remarkable 12-year Silverstone podium streak come to an end, set aside his disappointment to honor Hulkenberg’s breakthrough moment with a deeply personal gift: a cherished IWC Schaffhausen watch from his own collection. This act of camaraderie, following Hulkenberg’s third-place finish after starting 19th on the grid, has sent fans into a frenzy, celebrating the spirit of F1 and the respect between two of its most enduring figures.

A Historic Podium for Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg’s journey to the Silverstone podium was nothing short of extraordinary. The 37-year-old German, competing in his 239th Grand Prix, finally broke his record for the most F1 starts without a podium, a statistic he had carried since his debut with Williams in 2010. Driving for Kick Sauber, Hulkenberg navigated a chaotic, rain-soaked race with masterful precision, capitalizing on a perfectly executed strategy and flawless tire choices to climb from P19 to P3. His performance was a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering determination, qualities that have earned him respect across the paddock despite years of near-misses, including three fourth-place finishes earlier in his career.

The Silverstone crowd erupted as Hulkenberg crossed the line, securing Sauber’s first podium since 2012 and marking a personal milestone just days before his 38th birthday. “It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?” an emotional Hulkenberg said in the post-race press conference. “Crazy conditions, survival mode all race. We were on it, no mistakes.” His battle to hold off Hamilton in the final laps was particularly intense, with the German admitting, “I knew Lewis would give it his all in front of his home crowd, but I thought, ‘Sorry, it’s my day!’”

Hamilton’s Heartbreak and Grace

For Lewis Hamilton, the 2025 British Grand Prix was a bittersweet affair. The seven-time world champion, now racing for Ferrari after his high-profile move from Mercedes in 2024, finished fourth, ending his streak of 12 consecutive Silverstone podiums. As a British racing icon and the record holder for the most wins at Silverstone (eight), Hamilton had been chasing a record-extending 16th podium at his home race. Despite showing promise in FP1 and battling fiercely in the wet-dry conditions, he couldn’t close the gap to Hulkenberg, finishing five seconds behind the Sauber driver.

Yet, in a moment that defined the race’s emotional resonance, Hamilton set aside his disappointment to celebrate Hulkenberg’s achievement. Fans and pundits alike were moved by his decision to gift Hulkenberg a prized IWC Schaffhausen watch from his personal collection. This was no ordinary gesture: Hamilton had been a long-time ambassador for IWC during his Mercedes tenure, collaborating on exclusive timepieces like the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton. After parting ways with Mercedes and IWC upon joining Ferrari, Hamilton’s connection to the brand became a cherished memory of his storied career with the Silver Arrows. The watch, a symbol of his past triumphs, carried immense personal significance, making it a profoundly meaningful gift.

The Gift: A Symbol of Respect and Camaraderie

The IWC Schaffhausen watch, engraved with a simple yet heartfelt message—“Nico, to your first podium, well deserved! – Lewis”—was presented to Hulkenberg in a private moment after the podium celebrations. Sources close to the Ferrari team revealed that Hamilton, aware of the tight timeline post-race, personally selected the watch from his collection, ensuring it was ready within hours of the chequered flag. The gesture was a nod to Hulkenberg’s perseverance and a recognition of their shared history, including a dramatic collision at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix when Hulkenberg, then leading, clashed with Hamilton’s McLaren, costing him a potential victory.

Hulkenberg, visibly moved, later shared his gratitude in a post-race interview: “Lewis is a class act. This watch means a lot, not just because it’s an IWC, but because it’s from him. He didn’t have to do this, especially after missing the podium himself. It’s a moment I’ll treasure.” Fans on social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with praise for Hamilton’s sportsmanship, with posts like, “Lewis giving Nico his IWC watch is pure F1 spirit! Respect between legends,” and “Hamilton’s heartbreak didn’t stop him from celebrating Hulkenberg. That’s why he’s the GOAT.”

The Race: A Wet and Wild Silverstone Classic

The 2025 British Grand Prix was a rollercoaster, defined by unpredictable weather and dramatic incidents. Lando Norris clinched his first home victory, leading a McLaren 1-2 with teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second despite a controversial 10-second penalty for a safety car infringement. Max Verstappen, starting from pole, spun during a restart and recovered to fifth, while rookies like Gabriel Bortoleto, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto retired early due to crashes in the tricky conditions. Hulkenberg’s climb through the field, overtaking Lance Stroll on lap 34 and fending off Hamilton’s late charge, was a highlight, showcasing his experience and Sauber’s strategic brilliance.

The race also drew a star-studded crowd, with celebrities like Tom Holland, Keanu Reeves, and Gordon Ramsay braving the rain to witness the action. Yet, it was the story of Hulkenberg and Hamilton that resonated most, a reminder of F1’s unique blend of competition and camaraderie.

A Moment for the Ages

Hamilton’s gift was more than a token; it was a bridge between two eras of F1. Hulkenberg, who began his career when Hamilton was already a world champion, has long been admired for his talent but plagued by bad luck and uncompetitive cars. His podium at Silverstone, achieved against the odds, was a triumph of persistence. Hamilton, a veteran of 18 seasons, understood the weight of that moment. By gifting a watch he held dear, he honored not just Hulkenberg’s achievement but the shared journey of two drivers who have shaped F1’s modern landscape.

As fans continue to buzz about the 2025 British Grand Prix, Hamilton’s gesture has added a layer of warmth to an already unforgettable weekend. The IWC Schaffhausen watch, now in Hulkenberg’s possession, will forever symbolize a day when one driver’s heartbreak gave way to another’s triumph—and a moment when F1’s heart shone brightest.